What Mediation Is

Mediation is a voluntary process in which the parties to a dispute, with the assistance of a neutral third party—the “mediator”—identify the disputed issues, explore options and consider alternatives, and work toward reaching a mutually acceptable resolution. We recognize that although people should have the opportunity to resolve their disputes amicably and responsibly, this may not be possible without proper guidance. The law comes from the human desire to resolve disputes civilly versus resorting to street justice. But the law often involves expensive attorneys, binding orders by arbitrators and judges, biased juries, and high cost to one’s personal and social health. Mediation can be preferable over other legal options because it places control over the process in the hands of the parties involved—not an administrative official, or arbitrator, or judge, or jury.

What We Do in Mediation

We help facilitate resolution of disputes the parties voluntarily bring to mediation. We focus on key issues and the parties’ settlement goal(s). We offer insight and perspective on the dispute but we do not make decisions for the parties. We discuss legal or factual issues concerning the dispute but we do not give legal counsel. We moderate the process and help mitigate disagreement but we do not stop the parties from expressing their feelings, thoughts, and concerns about the issues being disputed. We empower and dignify the parties involved by placing the ultimate responsibility of resolution on them as active participants in the mediation process and masters of their own fate.

What to Expect in Mediation

We expect the mediation process to be challenging because it involves a “meeting of the minds” but we generally anticipate a reasonable settlement if the parties actively and honestly engage in the process. To facilitate settlement, we offer a controlled and confidential space in which the parties can explore their options for resolution in a meaningful way without the expense, stress, risks, pressure, and conflict of litigation or other legal remedies. While there are no promises as to the outcome of mediation, a reasonable effort is made for a realistic and actionable settlement satisfactory to all parties involved.

Areas of Mediation

• Business mediation (e.g., contracts and agreements, partnership conflicts and disputes, formation issues, organizational disputes, business decisions, etc.)
• Community mediation (e.g., community conflicts, neighborhood disputes, nuisance, noise, boundaries, use of space, use of limited resources, communal agreements, adverse events, etc.)
• Religious mediation (e.g., interpersonal discord, group dynamic conflicts, doctrinal disputes, religious schisms, etc.)